ED gets 4-day custody of Chhangur Baba’s close aide Navin Rohra

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has intensified its investigation into alleged religious conversions, foreign funding, and money laundering involving Chhangur Baba and his network.

On Monday, the ED presented Chhangur’s close associate Navin Rohra before the NIA court in Lucknow, where the special court granted a four-day remand for further interrogation. Rohra will remain in ED custody until August 8.

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Earlier during the court proceedings, the ED had sought a seven-day remand, arguing that Rohra possesses crucial information related to suspicious financial transactions, overseas assets, and Chhangur’s expansive network, particularly in Dubai. After hearing the arguments, the court sanctioned a four-day custody.

Navin Rohra is considered a key figure in Chhangur’s alleged financial web and is believed to be the link between Dubai-based operations and transactions worth approximately ₹60 crore.

The ED suspects Rohra played a central role in managing Chhangur’s shipping business and channeling foreign funds through illegal means.

The agency has already compiled details of Chhangur’s multiple properties in Dubai, some of which were previously tracked by the Uttar Pradesh ATS.

During hours-long questioning sessions, ED officials focused on Rohra’s visits to Dubai, hawala networks, and suspected foreign donations received under the guise of religious and charitable activities.

The ED had earlier interrogated Chhangur for seven days. Upon completion of his remand on August 1, the agency moved an application for Rohra’s custody, which was heard and approved on August 4.

During questioning, Chhangur admitted to receiving funds from Pakistan and other foreign sources. He claimed the money was used for serving the poor and for religious propagation. He also mentioned that his close aides arranged his travels and logistics in Dubai.

Regarding properties purchased in the name of Neetu, another arrested associate, Chhangur said he trusted her completely and considered her a reliable aide.

So far, a total of seven individuals have been arrested in this case, including Chhangur, his son Mehboob, Neetu, and Navin Rohra. The ED believes that Rohra’s interrogation could reveal critical links in the ongoing investigation, potentially exposing the full scale of foreign funding, illicit transactions, and the money laundering network.

Investigation agencies are now closely monitoring the networks used to channel money from abroad into India, allegedly under the cover of religious activities. These funds are suspected to have been used for purchasing land, real estate, and setting up businesses.

As the probe deepens, the ED expects major revelations that could unravel a vast nexus of foreign-sponsored financial crimes masked behind charitable and religious operations.